Dear Colleagues in Catholic Education,
As this issue of Momentum reaches your mailbox, more than 3,800 people have returned from Minneapolis, where we gathered for NCEA 2026: Believe, our largest in-person gathering since 2019. In the conversations, the prayer, and the shared joy of being together, a simple truth became clear: the lights of Catholic education are getting brighter.
In the last year, I have heard so much hope for the future of Catholic education and a renewed excitement for NCEA’s stewardship of this sacred mission. Our membership team has welcomed back schools that have not been members for years, one even returning for the first time since the late 1990s. These are not just encouraging signs. They are reminders that our mission is alive, necessary, and gaining momentum.
Catholic schools remain a trusted choice for families seeking academic excellence, faith formation, and strong community. Our latest data reflects that reality in powerful ways. Nearly 2,200 Catholic schools report waitlists for admission, a clear sign that demand is exceeding available seats in parts of the country. Our schools are sustained by the dedicated witness of lay educators and leaders, who make up the vast majority of the workforce, alongside the enduring legacy of religious sisters, brothers, and clergy who continue to shape our identity and mission.
I have had the privilege of witnessing this light firsthand through my travels across the country on the Bright Lights of Catholic Education Tour, now in its second year. From rural dioceses to urban communities, I have encountered educators and leaders who are deeply committed to forming students in faith, knowledge, and service. Their creativity and unwavering dedication remind me that the future of Catholic education is not something we wait for. It is something we are building together today and every day.
New opportunities are also emerging at the national level. As the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit moves toward implementation, Catholic school communities have a renewed opportunity to advocate for families and expand access to our schools. Each state will play a role in shaping how this opportunity unfolds, and we have a responsibility to ensure our communities understand its impact and are equipped to engage in that conversation. This is a moment for NCEA to continue strengthening its role as the national voice of Catholic education in the United States, so that we can support, inform, and advocate alongside you.
The lights are getting brighter, not because of any one program or initiative, but because of you. Thank you for your witness, your leadership, and for carrying the light of Catholic education wherever you go. Together, let us continue to move forward with faith and hope, confident that the best is still ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman
President/CEO
National Catholic Educational Association